Sony has announced that it will put an end to PlayStation Portable shipments in Japan this month. The PSP made its debut in the region during December 2004 and approximately 20.1 million of its worldwide tally of 80 million units have been sold in its home territory. According to the platform holder, PSP shipments already ended in North America in January and will also be discontinued later this year in Europe.

Sony revealed that PSP owners in Japan can trade in their handhelds to earn credit towards a PS Vita or PS Vita TV. PSP Go and PSP-2000 series systems are worth up to 2 000 yen while PSP-3000 series consoles are worth up to 4 000 yen. The promotion will run from today, June 3rd to August 29th and participants must redeem their vouchers before October 31st at which point any unused credit will expire.

Do you think Sony discontinuing PSP shipments in Japan will help to boost PS Vita sales and encourage developers to finally make the transition to the company’s latest handheld? Let us know in the comments.